Refrigerant Distributor and Method for Manufacturing the Same

ABSTRACT

A refrigerant distributor is disclosed, for minimizing noise and providing refrigerant to each refrigerant tube uniformly, which includes a hollow body ( 11 ) in which a refrigerant flows; an inlet ( 12 ) provided at one end of the body, and through which the refrigerant flows in; and a plurality of discharge holes ( 13 ) provided for being in parallel at the other end of the body.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a refrigerant distributor for a heat exchanger, and more particularly, to a refrigerant distributor for a heat exchanger, to decrease noise and to obtain simplified manufacturing process steps.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, an air conditioner or a refrigerator provides cool or heated air by using a heat exchanger, to obtain a desired temperature. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of refrigerant tubes and a plurality of heat radiating pins, in which a refrigerant flows through the refrigerant tubes, and the plurality of heat radiating pins are fixed to the plurality of refrigerant tubes. Also, each refrigerant tube is connected with one distributor, whereby the refrigerant is provided to each refrigerant tube from the distributor.

A refrigerant distributor for distributing a refrigerant to each refrigerant tube according to the related art will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, an inlet 2 is formed at one end of a body 1 in a cylindrical-shaped refrigerant distributor so that the refrigerant flows into the inside of the body 1 through the inlet 2. Then, a plurality of through holes 3 are formed at the other end of the body 1 for being opposite to the inlet 2. At this time, each one end of refrigerant tubes is inserted into the through hole 3.

Also, a mesh 4 is provided in the inside of the body 11 to filter foreign materials from the refrigerant, and to obtain a uniform flow of the refrigerant. Accordingly, when the refrigerant flowing into the inside of the body 1 passes through the mesh 4, the refrigerant is filtered, and is distributed to each refrigerant tube 5 through an end portion of the refrigerant tube 5 fixed to the through hole 3.

Referring to FIG. 2, when the refrigerant flows into the inside of the body 11, the mesh 4 makes resistance to the refrigerant flow so that it generates eddy in a front side of the mesh 4. Also, just after start of stop of the refrigerant flow, vaporization of the refrigerant may be generated due to pressure difference between front and rear sides of the mesh 4. Accordingly, there is a problem of noise generated by cavitation according to the vaporization of the refrigerant.

Also, when manufacturing the refrigerant distributor according to the related art, the refrigerant tube 5 slants to the body 1 instead of being in parallel to the body 1, whereby it is impossible to obtain the uniform flow of the refrigerant to each refrigerant tube 5. That is, when inserting the refrigerant tube 5 into the through hole 3 of the body 1, and fixing the refrigerant tube 5 therein by welding, there is no means for supporting the refrigerant tube 5. Accordingly, a worker has to hold the refrigerant 5 with tongs for welding.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the refrigerant tubes 5 are inserted into the through hole 3, and are fixed therein by welding, the refrigerant tubes 5 may be fixed slantingly. If the refrigerant tubes 5 are provided slantingly, the end of the refrigerant tube 5 interferes with the refrigerant passing through the mesh 4, so that it obstructs the smooth refrigerant flow, thereby causing great noise. Also, it is impossible to obtain the uniform flow rate of the refrigerant to each refrigerant tube.

In the refrigerant distributor according to the related art, in state the cylindrical-shaped body 1 has both open end portions, one end portion is closed in a method of pressing. Then, the plurality of through holes are formed in the closed end by punching, so that the refrigerant tubes 5 are inserted therein. At this time, after providing the mesh 4 in the inside of the body 1 by inserting, the diameter of the end portion, being opposite to the end portion having the plurality of through holes, is reduced by pressing, thereby forming the inlet 2. After that, each one end of the refrigerant tubes 5 is inserted to the through hole 3, and then fixed thereto by welding. Thus, the method for manufacturing the refrigerant distributor according to the related art requires complicated process steps such as pressing and punching.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

An object of the present invention, provided to solve the foregoing problem, is to provide a refrigerant distributor for minimizing noise, and providing refrigerant to each refrigerant tube uniformly.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a refrigerant distributor, to provide each refrigerant tube being in parallel to the refrigerant distributor by simplified process steps.

The object of the present invention can be achieved by providing a refrigerant distributor, a refrigerant distributor includes a hollow body in which a refrigerant flows; an inlet provided at one end of the body, and through which the refrigerant flows in; and a plurality of discharge holes provided for being in parallel at the other end of the body.

At this time, the body, the inlet and the plurality of discharge holes are formed as one. Also, the body includes an expansion part having an expanding cross section from a rear end of the inlet to a predetermined point toward the discharge holes; and a taper part formed between an end of the expansion part and the discharge holes.

At this time, the taper part is provided to have a height decreasing to the discharge holes, and a width increasing to the discharge holes. Also, a connection part of the expansion part and the taper part is formed in a round shape.

Meanwhile, each cross section of the discharge holes is formed in a circular shape corresponding to that of an outer circumferential surface of a refrigerant tube, and each discharge hole extends at a predetermined length. Also, the inlet has a circular-shaped cross section.

Also, a width of the body is gradually increased from the inlet to the discharge hole. The length l_(a) of the discharge hole is determined in a degree of ${{\frac{1}{4}l_{t}} \leq l_{a} \leq {\frac{3}{4}l_{t}}},$ l_(t) is the total length of the refrigerant distributor except the inlet.

The inlet, the body and the discharge holes are formed of metal. Also, a filtering member is provided in the inlet to filter foreign materials from the refrigerant.

Meanwhile, a refrigerant distributor includes the steps of forming an inlet by reducing a diameter of one end of a cylindrical body, forming a plurality of discharge holes in line by pressing the other end of the body; and inserting and fixing each refrigerant tube to the discharge hole.

At this time, the process of forming the discharge holes includes the steps of forming an expansion part having an expanding cross section from a rear end of the inlet to a predetermined point toward the discharge holes; and forming a taper part formed by pressing the body between an end of the expansion part and the discharge holes.

At this time, the taper part is provided to have a height decreasing to the discharge hole, and a width increasing to the discharge hole by pressing.

Meanwhile, the length l_(a) of the discharge hole is determined within a degree of ${\frac{1}{4}l_{t}} \leq l_{a} \leq {\frac{3}{4}l_{t}}$ when forming the discharge holes, l_(t) is the total length of the refrigerant distributor except the inlet. Also, the inlet, the body and the discharge holes are formed as one with metal, and the refrigerant tube is fixed to each discharge hole by welding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings;

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a refrigerant distributor for a heat exchanger according to the related art;

FIG. 2 illustrates a refrigerant flow generated in the inside of a refrigerant distributor according to the related art;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerant distributor for a heat exchanger according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a vertical section view illustrating a refrigerant distributor of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a transverse section view illustrating a refrigerant distributor of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a refrigerant distributor for a heat exchanger according to the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In describing the embodiments, parts the same with the related art fuel cell will be given the same names and reference symbols, and detailed description of which will be omitted.

Hereinafter, a refrigerant distributor according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 6.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the exterior of the refrigerant distributor according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the refrigerant distributor according to the present invention includes a body 11, an inlet 12, and a plurality of discharge holes 13.

At this time, the body 11 has a hollow oval-shaped cross section. The inlet 11 is provided at one end of the body 11 in a tube shape having a circular-shaped cross section, through which a refrigerant flows in. Also, the plurality of discharge holes 13 are provided in one line, and each discharge hole 13 having a circular-shaped cross section extends at a predetermined length at the other end of the body 11. For preventing leakage of the refrigerant, it is preferable to form the body 11, the inlet 12, and the plurality of discharge holes 13 in one body.

FIG. 4 is a vertical section view illustrating the refrigerant distributor according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a transverse section view illustrating the refrigerant distributor according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, each discharge hole 13 has a diameter that is almost same size as that of a refrigerant tube 15. That is, one end of the refrigerant tube 15 is inserted into the discharge hole 13, and is fixed by welding. Accordingly, the respective refrigerant tubes 15 are provided and fixed in parallel so that the refrigerant passing through the body 11 flows into each refrigerant tube 15 uniformly.

In this state, if the refrigerant tube 15 has a portion projected toward the inside of the body 11, it may cause resistance to the refrigerant flow. Thus, it is preferable to insert one end of the refrigerant tube 15 at a degree corresponding to an extension of the discharge hole 13, and to fix the refrigerant tube 15 not to have the portion projected toward the inside of the body 11.

In more detail the body 11 of the refrigerant distributor includes an expansion part 111 and a taper part 112. As shown in FIG. 4, the expansion part 111 of a predetermined length l_(b) has an expanding cross section. That is, the cross section of the expansion part 111 increases along the flow direction of refrigerant.

Meanwhile, a height of the taper part 112 gradually decreases from a rear end of the expansion part 111 to a front end of the discharge hole 13. For minimizing the resistance to the refrigerant flow, the height of the taper part 112 becomes low gradually, and a width thereof increases gradually. Totally, the cross section of the taper part 112 decreases slightly. Furthermore, a connection part between the expansion part 111 and the taper part 112 is formed in a continuous streamline shape.

As shown in FIG. 5, widths of the expansion part 111 and the taper part 112 increase along the flow direction of refrigerant. Accordingly, the refrigerant flowing into the inside of the body 11 through the inlet 12 is diffused along the streamline-shaped body 11, and smoothly flows to the discharge hole 13. In this respect, the refrigerant flows into each discharge hole 13 uniformly without eddy.

The refrigerant passing through the discharge hole 13 flows into the fixed refrigerant tube 15. At this time, each refrigerant tube 15 guides the refrigerant to each component of an air conditioner or refrigerator.

A method for manufacturing the refrigerant distributor according to the present invention will be described as follows.

As shown in FIG. 6, the cylindrical-shaped body 11 having both open ends is prepared. Then, the inlet 12 is formed in a method of reducing a diameter at one end of the body 11. That is, in state a die is provided to an inner circumferential surface of one end, an outer circumferential surface thereof is pressed, so that the inlet 12 having the reduced diameter by pressing is provided. After that, the expansion part 111 and the taper part 112 are formed in the body 11 by pressing.

Referring to FIG. 3, the plurality of discharge holes 13 are formed at the other end of the body 11 for being adjacent to the taper part 112. At this time, a plurality of dies, respectively having shapes corresponding to those of the outer circumferential surface of the refrigerant tubes 15, are provided to the inner circumferential surface of the other end of the body 11 as one line, and then the outer circumferential surface of the body 11 is pressed in state of providing the plurality of dies thereto, thereby forming the plurality of discharge holes 13. That is, as pressing the cylindrical-shaped body 11, opposing surfaces of the body 11 come in contact with each other, whereby the plurality of discharge holes 13 are formed. In this case, since the refrigerant tube 15 is inserted into the discharge hole 13, the discharge hole 13 has the predetermined length suitable for insertion of the refrigerant tube 15. As mentioned above, the inlet 12 and the plurality of discharge holes 13 are formed as one with the body 11.

Meanwhile, after forming the inlet 12 and the plurality of discharge holes 13 in the body 11, the end of the refrigerant tube 15 is inserted into the discharge hole 13. The inserted refrigerant tube 15 is fixed to the discharge hole 13 by soldering or welding. At this time, each discharge hole 13is in parallel to the body 11, and extends at the predetermined degree. In this case, each refrigerant tube 15 is guided and inserted into the discharge hole 13. Then, the inserted refrigerant tubes 15 are supported with the respective discharge holes 13, whereby it is possible to obtain the parallel state between the inserted refrigerant tube 15 and the discharge hole 13. Accordingly, it is not required to additionally hold the refrigerant tubes 15 during welding.

Meanwhile, in the refrigerant distributor according to the present invention, it is preferable to obtain the structure for minimizing eddy in the inside of the refrigerant distributor. Generally, if the eddy is generated in the inside of the refrigerant distributor, it causes the increase of noise, and the pressure loss of refrigerant. In order to distribute the refrigerant to each refrigerant tube 15 without the aforementioned problems such as noise and pressure loss of refrigerant, it is necessary to manufacture the refrigerant distributor in optimized dimensions.

As shown in FIG. 4, it is preferable to determine the length l_(a) of the discharge hole 13 within a degree corresponding to ¼ to 4/3 of the total length l_(t) of the refrigerant distributor except the inlet 12. That is, the length l_(a) of the discharge hole 13 is determined according to the following inequality. ${\frac{1}{4}l_{t}} \leq l_{a} \leq {\frac{3}{4}l_{t}}$

At this time, l_(t) is the total length of the refrigerant distributor except the inlet 12.

If the length l_(a) of the discharge hole 13 is shorter than the length corresponding to ¼ of the total length l_(t) of the refrigerant distributor, welding flux may flow into the inside. Meanwhile, if the length l_(a) of the discharge hole 13 is longer than the length corresponding to ¾ of the total length l_(t) of the refrigerant distributor, it is hard to perform the press processing, and noise increases due to the flow in eddy of the discharge hole 13.

Meanwhile, a filtering member (not shown) may be provided in the inside of the body 11 of the refrigerant distributor to filter foreign materials from the refrigerant distributed from the refrigerant tube 15 through the refrigerant distributor. In this case, since the refrigerant may flow in eddy, it is preferable to provide the filtering member at a front side of the inlet 12 or the inside of the inlet 12.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As mentioned above, the refrigerant distributor according to the present invention and the method for manufacturing the same have the following advantages.

In the refrigerant distributor according to the present invention, the body is formed in the streamline shape so that the refrigerant flowing the inside thereof is smoothly moved to the discharge hole. Thus, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant flow in eddy inside the refrigerant distributor, and to decrease the noise.

Also, the discharge hole is welded for being in parallel to the refrigerant tube, and the refrigerant distributor is manufactured in the optimized dimensions, whereby the refrigerant is provided to each refrigerant tube uniformly. Accordingly, it is possible to improve efficiency of the heat exchanger connected with the refrigerant tubes.

In the refrigerant distributor according to the present invention, the inlet, the body and the discharge holes are manufactured as one by diameter-reducing process, and pressing and welding process. Accordingly, it is possible to correctly arrange the refrigerant tube in each discharge hole by inserting, the discharge hole formed for being corresponding to the shape of the refrigerant tube.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 

1. A refrigerant distributor comprising: a hollow body in which a refrigerant flows; an inlet provided at one end of the body, and through which the refrigerant flows in; and a plurality of discharge holes provided for being in parallel at the other end of the body.
 2. The refrigerant distributor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body, the inlet and the plurality of discharge holes are formed as one.
 3. The refrigerant distributor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body includes: an expansion part having an expanding cross section from a rear end of the inlet to a predetermined point toward the discharge holes; and a taper part formed between an end of the expansion part and the discharge holes.
 4. The refrigerant distributor as claimed in claim 3, wherein the taper part is provided to have a height decreasing to the discharge holes, and a width increasing to the discharge holes.
 5. The refrigerant distributor as claimed in claim 3, wherein a connection part of the expansion part and the taper part is formed in a round shape.
 6. The refrigerant distributor as claimed in claim 1, wherein each cross section of the discharge holes is formed in a circular shape corresponding to that of an outer circumferential surface of a refrigerant tube.
 7. The refrigerant distributor as claimed in claim 1, wherein each discharge hole extends at a predetermined length.
 8. The refrigerant distributor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inlet has a circular-shaped cross section.
 9. The refrigerant distributor as claimed in claim 1, wherein a width of the body is gradually increased from the inlet to the discharge hole.
 10. The refrigerant distributor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the length l_(a) of the discharge hole is determined in a degree of ${{\frac{1}{4}l_{t}} \leq l_{a} \leq {\frac{3}{4}l_{t}}},$ l_(a) is the total length of the refrigerant distributor except the inlet.
 11. The refrigerant distributor as claimed in claim 1, the inlet, the body and the discharge holes are formed of metal.
 12. The refrigerant distributor as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a filtering member provided in the inlet to filter foreign materials from the refrigerant.
 13. A method for manufacturing a refrigerant distributor comprising: forming an inlet by reducing a diameter of one end of a cylindrical body; forming a plurality of discharge holes in line by pressing the other end of the body; and inserting and fixing each refrigerant tube to the discharge hole.
 14. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the process of forming the discharge holes includes the steps of: forming an expansion part having an expanding cross section from a rear end of the inlet to a predetermined point toward the discharge holes; and forming a taper part formed by pressing the body between an end of the expansion part and the discharge holes.
 15. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the taper part is provided to have a height decreasing to the discharge hole, and a width increasing to the discharge hole by pressing.
 16. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the length l_(a) of the discharge hole is determined within a degree of ${\frac{1}{4}l_{t}} \leq l_{a} \leq {\frac{3}{4}l_{t}}$ when forming the discharge holes, l_(t) is the total length of the refrigerant distributor except the inlet.
 17. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the inlet, the body and the discharge holes are formed as one with metal.
 18. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the refrigerant tube is fixed to each discharge hole by welding. 